Collecting the Collectables and the Collectibles: A Funny Thing to Collect!

Collectable vs. Collectible

Many people wonder if “collectable” or “collectible” is the right way to say it. Both words are correct, but they have small differences.

History of the Words

The word “collectable” is an older form. It comes from the word “collect,” which means to gather things. “Collectable” is more common in British English.

The word “collectible” is newer and used more in American English. It also comes from “collect” but is often used to talk about items that have value and are wanted by people.

How to Use Them

“Collectable” can be used for anything you can gather or collect. It does not always mean the item is valuable or special.

“Collectible” is used to talk about things that are often gathered because they are valuable or because people like them a lot.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of “collectible” with an “i” because “I” want something special or valuable. “Collectable” can be anything you can collect or gather.

Examples of “Collectable” in Sentences:

• Stamps can be collectable items for many people.
• All the coins she finds are collectable to her.
• Books from her childhood are her favorite collectable things.
• The shells from the beach are simple collectables.
• Leaves in autumn can be a pretty collectable.

Examples of “Collectible” in Sentences:

• The rare toy car he bought is a collectible.
• She has a shelf full of collectible dolls.
• People love collectible comic books for their stories and art.
• The artist made only 100 of these collectible prints.
• Some old movie posters are very collectible now.

Summary

In summary, “collectable” means anything you can gather or get, while “collectible” means something that is wanted or valued. Remember, “I” want “collectible” because it is usually special or valuable.